Our Under 21 side played their penultimate Group Five fixture against Israel in Akko on Thursday afternoon, knowing victory was essential if they were to retain any hope of reaching the qualifying play-off stage of these 2019 European Championships. However it was not to be as Ireland slumped to a very disappointing three one defeat. Sadly, once again, there appears little to be excited about at this level with perhaps just goalkeeper Kieran O’Hara, midfield duo Josh Cullen and Ronan Curtis together with Ryan Manning, who missed this afternoon’s match through injury, offering hope for the future. Ireland will travel to face Germany in Heidenmeim on Tuesday afternoon to complete their campaign.